Ironman Competitor Back to Triathlons After Leg Surgery

Ann Williams is a long distance triathlete who has completed many full Ironman races. She has qualified for the World Championships five times, competing twice.
 
Two years ago, she fell and fractured her left femur. X-rays showed it was a severe break. She was taken to Greenwich Hospital where Dr. Paul Tomaszewski, ONS sports medicine surgeon, was on call. Ann, who is a physician herself, already had an existing relationship with Dr. Paul Sethi, ONS sports medicine surgeon, whom she called after the incident. Dr. Sethi confirmed that she was in good hands with Dr. Tomaszewski.
 
“As an athlete, I have bits and pieces that need looking at on a regular basis. Over the years, Dr. Sethi has administered cortisone injections in my shoulder and my knee,” explained Ann. “He’s my long-term go-to orthopedist to keep me on the road.”
 
Due to the nature of the injury, Ann underwent surgery immediately. “Dr. Tomaszewski was wonderful. He was so encouraging and did such a good repair. As a whole, ONS is incredibly responsive, and the entire staff is so kind. I was able to reach Dr. Tomaszewski whenever I had questions from my pre-op through recovery.”
 
After the surgery, Ann was on crutches for three months. Dr. Tomaszewski told her it would likely be a year before she could get back to walking and living a normal life. Within three months, Ann was on an indoor bike, doing PT and adding strength work at the gym.
 
“This should’ve been a career-ending injury,” said Ann in late 2024. “I didn’t think like that at the time and just focused on getting myself back into shape these past two years. I returned to running, cycling and training properly. Since my surgery I’ve done three Half Ironmans.”
 
Her enthusiasm to return to competition was matched by those around her. “When she crossed the finish line at the first Half Ironman post-surgery, we were both in tears,” recalled Ann’s fiancé Tom. “It was awesome.”
 
Others have noticed that Ann is more level when running. “I am now 95% pain free. I’m back to how I was before surgery – my strength has completely returned,” said Ann.
 
Ann qualified for the 2024 Ironman World Championships in New Zealand this past December and has already qualified for the 2025 Half Ironman World Championships in Spain.
 
Ann encourages others to never give up after experiencing a serious injury: “Don’t take the route of thinking you can’t get back to normal. Expect the best but be prepared to work for it.”